“Words and sounds have their own world; colours and lines have their own world; and expressions and gestures have yet another world. Bharatmuni’s ‘Natya Shastra’ brought all these elements together into one unified form,” said Shri Suresh Soni, Akhil Bharateeya Karyakarini Sadasya of Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS), at Sanskar Bharati’s ‘Bharatmuni Samman 2024’ ceremony on February 22 at NDMC Convention Centre, New Delhi.
“Mathematics and music define the universe. It is essential for individuals to be cultured for the welfare of the world. If a nation lacks cultural values, it can never progress and the ultimate objective of Sanskar Bharati is to imbue Bharat with cultural values. In this regard, art is the most profound medium, he emphaised.
While addressing the gathering, he urged the audience to dedicate themselves to Bharatiya art and culture. He also highlighted that Maharishi Bharatmuni devoted his entire life to artistic pursuit and that true success comes only through dedicated effort. Similarly, two such dedicated individuals who have devoted their lives to Bhartiya art have been honoured today by Sanskar Bharati.
Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Tourism and Culture, who was also the chief guest of the event, stated that Bharat is undergoing a phase of cultural renaissance, and as the nation progresses in this direction, everyone must remain alert and vigilant.
He further said that there could be no greater recognition in the field of art and culture than the ‘Bharatmuni Samman.’ He praised the awardees for their dedication to preserving and reviving India’s ancient art and cultural heritage, emphasising that Bharat is witnessing a cultural resurgence. However, he also stressed the need to be cautious and vigilant as the country moves forward.
On this occasion, he honoured renowned Kathak dancer Dr Kumkum Dhar, who received her training at Lucknow Kathak Kendra, and eminent modern Sanskrit poet and lyricist Dr Harekrishna Meher with the ‘Bharatmuni Samman – 2024.’ The award included a memento, a certificate of honour, and a cash prize of Rs 1.51 lakh.
Dr Kumkum Dhar, while expressing her deep gratitude upon receiving the award, thanked the selection committee for choosing her and said that art purifies the human mind and disciplines life. She further stated that true artists are committed to values, discipline, and patriotism.
Notably, for the past 45 years, Dr Kumkum Dhar has been reflecting Bharat’s unity in diversity, respect for tradition, and the pursuit of artistic excellence through her Kathak performances and training, deeply rooted in Bharatiya culture, philosophy, and spirituality. Embracing the Guru-Shishya Parampara as an integral part of her life, she has trained more than 500 disciples, many of whom are performing and teaching Kathak in India and abroad.
Sanskrit scholar Dr Harekrishna Meher, another recipient of the ‘Bharatmuni Samman – 2024,’ described Sanskar Bharati’s recognition of literature as a moment of great pride. Expressing his gratitude, he said, “I am deeply honoured to receive this award for Sanskrit literature. It is a matter of immense fortune for me.” He also noted that the honour brought pride to both the nation and his home state, Odisha.
Dr Meher is a renowned researcher, critic, epic poet, lyricist, composer, speaker, and a multilingual author and translator proficient in Odia, Hindi, Sanskrit, English, and Kosali languages.
On this occasion, Dr Mysore Manjunath, Akhil Bhartiya President of Sanskar Bharati, stated that Sanskar Bharati is immensely honoured to recognise distinguished artists and literary figures through an award dedicated to Maharishi Bharatmuni.
It is to be noted that the Bharatmuni Samman is dedicated to Maharishi Bharatmuni, the author of the Natya Shastra, which is revered as the Fifth Veda. The Natya Shastra is the foundational text of Bharatiya art and artistic discourse. Sanskar Bharati organises Bharatmuni Smaran Diwas every year on Maghi Purnima across the country.
The ‘Bharatmuni Samman’ was first introduced last year by RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat during the ‘Kalasadhak Sangam’ event in Bengaluru. The first-ever awards were conferred upon Mumbai-based painter Vijay Dashrath Achrekar for visual arts and Ganpat Sakharam Masge from Sindhudurg for folk arts. This annual honour is awarded in two artistic disciplines every year, with recipients selected through applications received from institutions, art universities, and personal recommendations by a jury panel.
The event was graced by several prominent personalities from the fields of art, literature, and social activism, including Padma Shri Pandit Ramdayal Sharma, National School of Drama Director Chittaranjan Tripathi, Kathak Kendra Director Pranami Bhagwati, National Modern Art Gallery Director Pooja Halli, Padma Shri Sumitra Guha, Advocate and Social Activist Subuhi Khan, Social Activist Preeti Pandey, several renowned artists, professors, scholars, and students from various institutions.
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